National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report Fylingdales Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Thorpe Lane, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, YO22 4TH Diocese: YORK Local authority: North Yorkshire Date of inspection: 6 February 2014 Date of last inspection: 9 July 2009 School’s unique reference number: 121528 Headteacher: Lisa Jones Inspector’s name and number: Alan Thornsby NSIN 137 School context Fylingdales school is a small school serving the villages of Fylingthorpe and Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast. Pupil numbers are increasing with pupils travelling from other areas. Staffing is now settled after a period of change. The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Fylingdales as a Church of England school are good The commitment of the head, staff and governing body to the on-going development of a successful and distinctively Christian school. The impact of Christian values on the academic and personal development of pupils The welcoming family atmosphere of the school that pervades and embraces the village and church communities Areas to improve Ensure the vibrant ethos and Christian values that drive the school are consistently celebrated and reflected in displays The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners The ethos of the school is securely founded on Christian values of love and respect. This results in a welcoming learning environment in which everyone is valued equally as an individual. The values of love, care and respect drive excellent relationships between all members of the school community and extend to the wider village community. Christian values impact on every action and create positive attitudes throughout the school. Forgiveness and fresh start ensure that relationships are successfully maintained. The needs of each individual are recognised and a dedicated staff team ensures that through effective target setting, challenge and support, all groups of pupils make good progress. Pupils are motivated to learn because teachers deliver a rich curriculum making lessons challenging and enjoyable. Teaching is judged to be at least good and data indicates that all groups of pupils make good progress and achieve well. Older children enjoy taking responsibility for younger ones. An annual ‘take over day’ when older children are responsible for teaching and running the school shows the trust and respect of adults for children. The school values ensure good behaviour and attitudes are maintained and as a pupil explained ‘its just like a normal day’. Other responsibilities taken on by children include the school council and eco and road safety groups. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength of the school as a result of the rich and varied curriculum, out of school activities and visits and the high profile of Christian values. Religious education is a core subject providing ‘the buzz in the life of the school.’ It impacts on how to live, enables opportunities for mixed-aged learning to explore and develop spiritual development. For example, a ‘hot seating God’ activity, which produced thought provoking questions and discussion. Children have a good understanding of the school as a church school and the extent of local and global Christianity. They readily explain ‘Jesus did things the right way as God wanted and we learn to do the same.’ However the school does not consistently promote and reflect its Christian values in displays. The impact of collective worship on the school community is good Collective worship is central to the daily life of the school and effectively furthers the spiritual awareness and biblical knowledge of children. They are engaged by well-delivered acts of worship and explain that ‘it helps to understand God and Jesus and teaches that we should treat others as we wish to be treated. They value time for reflection and stilling. The links between pupils’ experience and bible stories are made explicit through effective delivery. Pupils’ good knowledge of bible and Christian festivals successfully impacts on their lives and attitudes. Older children are beginning to develop an understanding of the elements of worship especially through the planning and delivery of the Easter and leavers’ services. They have a good understanding of the symbolism of the cross and candle. Pupils have a developing knowledge of the life of Jesus and the Trinity, explaining ‘God the father created the world and Jesus, God the son is Jesus and the Holy Spirit we see when we light the candle flame that shows He is with us.’ Prayer has a high profile in the life of the school and children are familiar with the Lord’s Prayer and the Fylingdales family prayer. Recent training and developments have resulted in secure links between values and their biblical origins through the introduction of ‘Christian values for life’ and ‘Values for Life.’ Although it is in an interregnum, the ‘circle of friends’ a group of clergy and lay-people ensures that the links with church are maintained. This also enables children to have a wider experience of Christian worship. On-going monitoring through observation, discussion and questionnaires informs development. The school’s strong link with the local church has resulted in each child being presented with a Bible as they enter and leave the school. The links are further developed through events such as ‘Messy church’, celebration of the Posada. Involvement in events such as processing a banner to Whitby Abbey extends the family atmosphere of the school to embrace the church and wider communities. The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school is good The head is passionate about having a clear vision for the school that values each individual and strives to give him or her the best learning opportunities nurtured in Christian love. Staff and governors share this vision and ensure that every decision is made to reflect this ethos. Governors are knowledgeable and have an active role in school. For example, on being informed by the head of the new SIAMS schedule they enabled decisions and planning to be up to date. They have identified their next areas for development as a distinctively Christian school. Foundation governors are particularly active in their roles and through diocesan training and time in school ensure that their responsibilities are full met. This results in accurate self-evaluation and the identification of the next stages for development being identified in the school development plan. This indicates that the school has a good potential for future development. As a regular visitor in school a foundation governor promotes the well being of the head and staff. Parents are justly proud of the school and the family atmosphere it creates, commenting ‘this is a brilliant school that gives a great sense of family’. They also comment ‘our children have a clear vision of equality, sharing, honesty, love, care and respect.’ They are adamant that everyone in school goes the extra mile for their children as well as giving support to them when necessary. The school has secure links with the local community, inviting the community to join the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the school and tree planting. The school also supports the local May Queen tradition. Links with other local schools support academic and church school developments. NS 09 2013 SIAMS Inspection School Report NS 09 2013 SIAMS Inspection School Report
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